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Audio Additives vs Acoustic Sounds Digital Scale

I have an Acoustic Sounds metal digital scale. It looks identical to the Audio Additives one. On my Acoustic Sounds scale, the cart magnet makes the platform and scale read negative numbers prior to lowering the cart onto the scale. I use the tare button to 'zero' the platform prior to lowering the cart.

The Audio Additives scale on the Music Direct website says the metal case is non-magnetic. Does this include the scale too, unlike the Acoustic Sounds scale?

Anyone who uses the Audio Additives scale, could you please let me know if its magnetic or not? In other words, does the scale require taring due to suspending the cart over the scale making it move from zero?

As a side, I have heard some say the taring in a magnetic situation is not needed and when you lower the cart onto the platform, it weighs the actual weight/force of the cart. This doesn't make sense to me as before the stylus touches the scale platform it should read zero in my mind and not, for example -0.051g.

Thanks in advance for any info.
philb7777
rockitman's avatar
rockitman
417 posts
 
This is the best scale, IMO. Non magnetic and accurate. They are only sold out of Japan. That is where I ordered mine.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Cartridge-Digital-scale-ortofon-DS-3-From-JP-/161414514295?pt=US_Record_Player_Turntable_Parts&hash=item25950e0677
philb7777 OP
401 posts
 
Thanks for the link Christian, I just ordered one today. I'm ready to quit guessing on my actual VTF, even if my digital force gauge gets close. The deflection of -0.40 to -0.50 prior to lowering the cart bothers me . Some say it doesn't matter, others say toy should tare to zero and the measure. Hopefully the ortofon ds-3 will solve this for me. With spending thousands on carts, I don't mind spending $130 to help ensure accurate VTF. I know many to still use the Shure scale, but I'm all thumbs and went something digital.
rodman99999
6,206 posts
 
I've had the AcousTech digital for some time now, which I've verified to be non-magnetic in a variety of ways. Wish I had known about the Ortofon scale, before that purchase. That's a really nice looking unit, and it appears that the stylus would sit closer to the level of a record surface, as well.
fjn04
1,561 posts
 
Jeff Whitlock sells an Ortofon DS-1 on his A/V Solutions site. It looks similar to the DS-3.... Cheers -Don
philb7777 OP
401 posts
 
It's interesting but I checked the AcousTech too after some answers to this thread. It is indeed non-magnetic when tested with a magnet both on the case and the scale platform. Weird how with my Dyna carts when having the cart body hovering over the scale platform I get varying readings from -0.035 to -0.055. To tare to zero or not to tare? Hmmmm.....

If it is not a magnetic 'pull' doing this then what could it be? Some weird electrical interference? I know a few others that had this happen with some digital scales and their carts including Dynas, Ortofons and Lyras.
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